Fort Carson upgrades access procedures

Fort Carson Public Affairs Office

Fort Carson will begin upgrading access procedures Jan. 5, 2015 as directed by the secretary of the Army, starting with contractors working here.

All personnel without a federal or Department of Defense-issued identification card entering the installation after May 1, 2015 will be affected by the new changes.

Visitors to Fort Carson will be subject to a National Crime Information Center (NCIC) background check and must have a valid need to be on the installation. Visitors with issues such as an outstanding arrest warrant, recent felony conviction or who are listed on the Terrorist Screening database will not be allowed access, and, if appropriate, will be turned over to legal authorities.

“The safety and security of our Fort Carson Family, as well as the visitors to our installation, is vital,” said Carl Backus, chief, Security and Access Control Division, Directorate of Emergency Services. “These measures will deter criminal elements from gaining access to our installation, which could potentially put our community members at risk.”

The NCIC check helps law enforcement apprehend fugitives, locate missing persons, recover stolen property and identify terrorists. It also assists law enforcement officers in performing their official duties more safely and provides them with information necessary to aid in protecting the general public.

The new measures will increase traffic delays at access control points, but federal workers and DOD cardholders will experience the fewest delays. Contractors and visitors who do not pass initial screening for entry can request a waiver to gain access to the installation.